State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Illinois
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Illinois under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (IFOIA) (est. 1984).
Overview of Public Records in Illinois
Illinois' Freedom of Information Act provides a comprehensive framework for public access to government records that was significantly strengthened in 2010 through a major reform effort led by then-Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The Illinois FOIA applies to all public bodies including state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other units of local government. The 2010 amendments added a binding opinion process through the Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General's office, making Illinois one of the states with the strongest enforcement mechanisms for records access.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Illinois
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may extend this by an additional 5 business days with written notice. A further 5-day extension is available for requests deemed unduly burdensome.
Fees and Costs
The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are free. Additional pages cost $0.15 each. Electronic records in the agency's existing format are provided at no charge. This is one of the most requester-friendly fee structures in the nation.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing and can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or online form. The request should specify the records sought, but no reason needs to be stated and no identification is required.
Appeal Process
The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor reviews complaints and issues binding opinions. Requesters may also file suit in circuit court. Attorney fees may be awarded to prevailing requesters.
Types of Public Records Available in Illinois
Property Records
Property records in Illinois include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Illinois contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Illinois election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Illinois court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Illinois include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Illinois vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Illinois document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Illinois Public Records
To request records under the Illinois FOIA, submit a written request to the FOIA officer designated by each public body. Agencies must respond within five business days, with a possible extension of five additional business days in certain circumstances. If your request is denied, you can file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General's office at no cost. Illinois counties offer online access to property records through their recorder and assessor offices, and the Cook County Clerk of Court provides extensive online case search tools.
Online Access
Cook County and other large counties maintain online property record portals through their assessor and recorder offices. The Illinois courts offer electronic case access through multiple regional systems.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Illinois
While the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (IFOIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Illinois.
- Private information including Social Security numbers and personal financial data
- Law enforcement records that would interfere with proceedings
- Preliminary policy recommendations and deliberative materials
- Trade secrets and commercial information
- Library circulation and registration records
- Communications between the public body and its attorney
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Illinois provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Illinois Freedom of Information Act (IFOIA)
Enacted: 1984
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act is codified in 5 ILCS 140. The act was dramatically overhauled in 2010 (Public Act 96-542), which created the Public Access Counselor position within the Attorney General's office, added a binding opinion process, established clearer timelines, and increased penalties for noncompliance. Illinois also has the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120) which governs transparency in government deliberations.
Key Features of Illinois's Records Law:
- Illinois has a Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General's office who can issue binding opinions on records disputes
- The 2010 reform was one of the most comprehensive FOIA overhauls in any state
- Illinois requires each public body to designate a FOIA officer and provide FOIA training
Illinois Public Records Facts
Illinois has 102 counties maintaining local government records
Cook County, home to Chicago, is one of the largest record-keeping jurisdictions in the nation
The Illinois Secretary of State maintains records for over 1.5 million business entities
Illinois has approximately 8 million registered voters
Search Illinois Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Illinois. Enter a name below to search public records in IL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Public Records
What is the Illinois Public Access Counselor?
How do I access Illinois court records?
How long does Illinois have to respond to FOIA requests?
Are Illinois property records available online?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (IFOIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Illinois or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.